Meet the Team
The Lund Lab is committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, collaborative, and educational environment for all lab members.
_edited.jpg)
Peder Lund, PhD
Assistant Professor
Peder completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. He then obtained a PhD in Immunology from Stanford University, where he developed an interest in using mass spectrometry to analyze protein glycosylation and other post-translational modifications that regulate cell signaling pathways. He then pursued post-doctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania and Washington University in St. Louis to gain further experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics, epigenetics, and host-microbiota interactions. After this training period, Peder joined Case Western as an assistant professor to begin his independent research career exploring metabolic interactions between the gut microbiota and intestinal epithelial cells.
Mariana Lopes, PhD
Research Associate
Mariana earned her undergraduate degree from the University of São Paulo in Health Sciences. For her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the Federal University of São Paulo, she conducted research on the epigenetics of tumor cell senescence after exposure to growth factors. She then completed post-doctoral training in epigenetics, cancer biology, and mass spectrometry at the University of Pennsylvania and Washington University in St. Louis. Now at Case Western, she is interested in applying stable isotope tracing to map metabolic pathways in intestinal epithelial cells and organoids.
The Lund Lab Team
Alekhya Kondragunta
Biochemistry PhD Student
Before enrolling in CWRU’s BSTP to pursue her PhD in Biochemistry, Alekhya attended the University of Cincinnati for an undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences with minors in Nutrition and Integrative Health. She is excited to conduct basic science research on questions related to nutrient transport and cell metabolism. Outside of the lab, she is an avid tennis player and Cincinnati Bengals enthusiast.
Brendan Leo
Undergraduate Student
Brendan is a rising senior at Case Western Reserve University studying Nutritional Biochemistry & Metabolism and Spanish with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-med track. He is excited to continue his undergraduate research on stress granule formation in August of 2025 following his return from a semester abroad in Spain. Outside of the lab, Brendan enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and exploring Cleveland.
Jessica DePalma
Research Assistant, Undergraduate Student
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University with minors in Chemistry and Biology. She is excited to continue her undergraduate research on stress granule formation before pursuing a medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in July 2025. Outside of the lab, Jessica enjoys dancing, reading, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Katie Rishel
Research Assistant
Katie graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism. She is interested in studying nuclear receptor ligands and will continue this work before pursuing a Master’s in Food Science from the Ohio State University in the fall of 2025. Outside of the lab, Katie can be found on the soccer field, a sport she played at the collegiate level during her four years at CWRU.